Spotting the Difference: Proof vs. Business Strike in the 1870 Two Cent Piece — A PCGS MS65+BN CAC Pop 2 Masterclass

Sometimes early proof coins look like business strikes, and vice versa. Here’s how the experts tell them apart.

When a stunning 1870 Two Cent Piece, PCGS MS65+ BN, CAC Approved, Pop 2 with none finer surfaces on a collector forum, the numismatic community takes notice. The responses were immediate and enthusiastic: “Gorgeous!” “Eye-popping!” “Has ‘the look’!” But as someone who has spent decades peering through a loupe at copper and nickel issues, I know the real conversation is just beginning. When you’re dealing with a high-grade, key-date copper piece like this, one of the most critical — and most frequently misunderstood — questions is whether you’re looking at a proof striking or a business strike.

That question matters enormously for the Two Cent series, particularly around 1870. I’m going to walk you through exactly how grading professionals distinguish proofs from business strikes, using this phenomenal 1870 2¢ as our case study. Whether you’re building a complete MS CAC set, hunting for condition rarities, or simply trying to understand what gives a coin “the look,” this framework will serve you well.

Why the Proof vs. Business Strike Question Matters for the 1870 Two Cent Piece

The Two Cent series is one of the most underappreciated in all of American numismatics, and the 1870 issue sits right at the heart of that conversation. With relatively modest mintages and a composition that makes high-grade survival genuinely rare, every detail matters. When a coin grades MS65+ BN from PCGS and earns the CAC seal of approval with only two known finer, you’re looking at a condition rarity that demands serious scrutiny.

Here’s why the proof versus business strike distinction carries so much weight for this date:

• Mintage ambiguity: The Mint’s records from this era, while generally reliable, don’t always perfectly categorize every striking. Early proof production methods overlapped significantly with business strike techniques.
• Premium implications: A proof 1870 Two Cent Piece in this condition would represent an entirely different tier of rarity and numismatic value compared to a business strike — even if the two look nearly identical to the untrained eye.
• Series context: The 1870 date sits in a transitional period for Mint technology. The Philadelphia Mint was refining its proof production methods, and some business strikes received levels of care that genuinely blurred the line between the two categories.
• Copper-specific challenges: Bronze coins present unique authentication challenges because they lack the sharp, mirror-like surfaces that make proof identification straightforward in silver issues. The patina that develops over 150 years can further obscure the telltale signs.

So let’s get into the specifics. How do I determine whether a high-grade 1870 Two Cent Piece is a proof or a business strike?

Mirrored Fields: The First and Most Obvious Clue

The single most reliable visual indicator of a proof striking is the mirror-like quality of the fields — those flat, open areas of the coin’s surface surrounding the design elements. On a true proof coin, the fields should appear almost glassy, reflecting light in a way that creates a distinct contrast with the raised devices.

What to Look For in the Fields

When I examine a coin like this 1870 2¢ under proper lighting, here’s my evaluation protocol:

1. Angle the coin under a single-point light source. Tilt it slowly and watch how light moves across the surface. On a proof, the field reflects light uniformly — smooth, almost liquid. On a business strike, the field reveals subtle flow lines, minor irregularities, and a slightly “grainy” texture even in the highest grades.
2. Check for cartwheel luster. Business strikes in mint state exhibit what we call “cartwheel luster” — those rolling, radial flow lines that result when metal forces its way into the die under extreme pressure. Proofs, struck multiple times with polished planchets, often show a different luster profile: smoother, more satiny, or genuinely mirror-like.
3. Examine the field-device junction. On proofs, the transition from flat field to raised design element tends to be sharper, more abrupt. On business strikes, there’s typically a more gradual transition, with evidence of metal flow visible at the base of the devices.

For the 1870 Two Cent Piece specifically, the fields on a proof example should show a noticeably smoother, more reflective surface than even the finest business strikes. Given that this coin is graded MS65+ BN, the field quality should be exceptional regardless — but the distinction between “exceptional business strike” and “proof” lies in the character of that quality, not just its degree.

Frosted Devices: The Cameo Contrast That Tells the Story

If mirrored fields are the first clue, frosted devices are the second — and for many copper and nickel issues, this is actually the more diagnostic feature.

Understanding Frosted (Cameo) Surfaces

On a proof coin, the raised design elements — the lettering, the Indian Head, the shield, the date — should display a frosted, satiny, or “cameo” appearance that contrasts sharply with the mirrored fields. This frosting occurs because the die faces for proof coins are prepared differently: the fields are polished to a mirror finish, while the recessed areas (which become the raised devices on the coin) are left with a textured, matte surface.

When you hold a proof 1870 Two Cent Piece and tilt it under light, you should see:

• A stark visual contrast between the shiny, reflective fields and the soft, white, frosted devices
• Sharp, full striking detail on every element of the design, including the finest details of the Indian Head’s feathers, the shield’s lines, and the lettering
• No evidence of die polishing lines on the devices themselves (though you may see them on the fields of some proofs, which is perfectly normal)
• A “cameo” effect that gives the coin an almost three-dimensional quality, with the design elements appearing to float above the mirror fields

On a business strike, even a gem mint state example, the devices will typically show the same luster character as the fields — or at most, a very subtle frosting that doesn’t create the dramatic contrast seen on proofs. The surfaces will be more uniform in their reflective quality.

For this particular 1870 2¢, the PCGS MS65+ BN grade tells us the surfaces are exceptionally well-preserved. But the BN (Brown) color designation also tells us something important: this coin has undergone the natural toning process that bronze undergoes over time. On a proof, this toning would typically appear as a thin, even layer that preserves the underlying mirror-frost contrast. On a business strike, the toning tends to be more integrated with the surface texture — a subtle but meaningful difference that affects eye appeal and collectibility.

Square Rims and Edge Characteristics: The Overlooked Diagnostic

Here’s where many collectors — and even some dealers — miss critical evidence. The rims and edge of a coin can reveal striking characteristics that are invisible when you’re only looking at the obverse and reverse faces.

What Square Rims Tell Us

Proof coins from the 1870s era were struck with greater care at every stage, including the upsetting process that creates the raised rim before striking. On a proof, you should see:

• Sharper, more squared-off rims that form a clean, well-defined border around the design
• Full, even rim detail on both obverse and reverse, with no softness or flattening
• Consistent rim height around the entire circumference of the coin
• No metal flow irregularities at the rim edge

Business strikes, even in high mint state grades, often show slightly softer rims because the planchets weren’t prepared with the same level of precision, and the single-strike process didn’t always fully form the rim before the design elements were impressed.

Edge Examination

Don’t forget to check the edge of the coin. For the 1870 Two Cent Piece, the edge should be plain (smooth) with no reeding. But the quality of that edge can be telling:

• Proof: Clean, even edge with no evidence of metal burrs or irregular flow
• Business strike: May show slight edge irregularities, minor metal flow lines, or evidence of the blanking process

With a coin in a PCGS holder, edge examination is straightforward — and it’s one of the first things I check when evaluating any coin where proof versus business strike status is in question.

Striking Characteristics: The Die State Evidence

Beyond surface appearance, the striking characteristics of a coin — how the design elements were impressed into the planchet — provide crucial evidence for distinguishing proofs from business strikes.

Sharpness and Completeness of Strike

Proof coins are struck multiple times at higher pressure than business strikes. This results in:

1. Full design transfer: Every element of the die’s design is completely impressed into the planchet. On the 1870 Two Cent Piece, this means the Indian Head’s feather details, the shield’s vertical lines, the “E PLURIBUS UNUM” motto, and the date digits should all be razor-sharp with no softness or missing detail.
2. Sharp lettering: The letters in “TWO CENTS,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the other inscriptions should have crisp, well-defined edges with no rounding or flattening.
3. Full shield detail: The shield on the reverse should show complete horizontal and vertical lines, with no merging or softness in the central area.
4. Date clarity: The “1870” date should be fully struck with no weak areas. (Note: 1870 Two Cent Pieces were struck only at Philadelphia and carry no mint mark.)

Business strikes can certainly be well-struck — and a gem MS65+ example like this one will show excellent detail — but there’s typically a subtle difference in the quality of that sharpness. Proof strikes have a crispness that comes from the combination of polished planchets, multiple strikes, and carefully prepared dies that is difficult to replicate in the business strike process.

Die Markers and Diagnostic Features

For the 1870 Two Cent Piece, there are specific die varieties that can help confirm or rule out proof status:

• Proof-specific die pairs: Certain die combinations are known to have been used exclusively for proof production. If the die markers on your coin match these known proof dies, that’s strong evidence.
• Die cracks and clashes: Proof dies were typically retired earlier than business strike dies, so proof coins generally show fewer die cracks and less die wear. A coin with significant die cracks is more likely a business strike.
• Repunched dates and other varieties: Some repunched dates or other minor varieties are known only on business strikes or only on proofs. Checking specialized references for the Two Cent series can provide definitive answers about your specific coin.

The Proof Production Process at the Philadelphia Mint in 1870

Understanding the historical context of proof production at the Philadelphia Mint in 1870 is essential for accurate identification.

How Proof Coins Were Made

In 1870, the Philadelphia Mint produced proof sets for collectors using a process that was labor-intensive and deliberately different from business strike production:

1. Planchet preparation: Proof planchets were individually selected, polished, and often washed before striking. The blanks were hand-inspected, and only the best were used.
2. Die preparation: Proof dies were polished to create mirror fields, and the recessed areas were treated to create the frosted device effect. This was done by hand, using techniques that varied from year to year and die maker to die maker.
3. Multiple strikes: Proof coins were typically struck two or more times at higher pressure than business strikes, ensuring complete design transfer.
4. Hand inspection: Each proof coin was individually inspected after striking, and any with visible defects was rejected.
5. Special packaging: Proof coins were packaged in special sets — in 1870, this would have been the Proof Set containing the cent through the silver dollar, housed in a presentation case.

The 1870 Proof Two Cent Piece in Context

The 1870 proof mintage of the Two Cent Piece was relatively small — proof production in this era was limited to satisfy collector demand, not circulation needs. The surviving population of proof 1870 2¢ pieces in high grade is extremely small, making any example a significant numismatic asset with extraordinary collectibility.

When evaluating whether a high-grade 1870 Two Cent Piece might be a proof, I consider the following questions:

• Does the coin exhibit all the characteristics described above? (Mirrored fields, frosted devices, square rims, exceptional striking quality)
• Is the coin from a known proof die variety?
• Does the coin’s provenance trace back to a known proof set holder or collection?
• Does the coin’s color and toning pattern match known proof examples? (Proof copper coins often tone differently than business strikes due to the different planchet preparation process.)

Applying the Framework to This PCGS MS65+ BN CAC Coin

Let’s bring this all together and apply our framework to the coin that started this discussion — the 1870 Two Cent Piece, PCGS MS65+ BN, CAC, Pop 2 with none finer.

What the Grade Tells Us

The MS65+ designation from PCGS indicates a coin at the high end of the Mint State scale, with full luster, minimal marks, and exceptional eye appeal. The “+” qualifier confirms that this example is a strong 65 — arguably bordering on 66 quality.

The BN (Brown) color designation means the coin has developed brown toning, which is natural for bronze coins that have been exposed to the elements over 150+ years. For a proof coin, this toning would typically be thin and even, preserving the underlying cameo contrast. For a business strike, the toning would be more integrated with the surface.

The CAC sticker confirms that the coin meets the standards of the Certified Acceptance Corporation — meaning it’s a premium quality example within its grade. CAC evaluates coins for eye appeal, strike, surface quality, and overall merit.

What the Population Data Tells Us

With a population of just 2 in this grade and none finer, this coin represents the absolute pinnacle of surviving examples. This kind of population data is critical for understanding rarity:

• If this is a business strike: It is one of the finest known examples of a key date in the Two Cent series, with significant condition rarity value.
• If this is a proof: It would represent an even greater level of rarity, as proof 1870 Two Cent Pieces in gem mint condition are extraordinarily scarce.

The fact that this coin has earned both the PCGS MS65+ grade and the CAC sticker suggests exceptional surface quality and eye appeal — characteristics consistent with either a superb business strike or a proof. This is exactly the kind of coin where the proof versus business strike question becomes most important — and most difficult to answer definitively without direct examination.

Actionable Takeaways for Buyers and Sellers

Whether you’re considering purchasing a high-grade 1870 Two Cent Piece, evaluating one in your collection, or simply building your numismatic knowledge, here are my recommendations:

For Buyers

1. Always examine the coin in person (or through high-resolution images) before making a significant purchase. The proof versus business strike distinction requires visual assessment that no grade label alone can provide.
2. Request detailed photographs that show the coin under multiple lighting angles. Mirrored fields and frosted devices are best evaluated with raking light.
3. Check the die variety. Consult reference materials to determine whether the die markers on your coin are consistent with known proof or business strike examples.
4. Consider the provenance. A coin with documented history in a major collection or auction appearance may have been previously evaluated for proof status.
5. Don’t rely solely on the grade. A PCGS MS65+ BN is an exceptional coin regardless of proof status. The grade reflects condition; the proof/business strike question reflects method of manufacture. Both matter, but they’re separate considerations.

For Sellers

1. If you suspect your coin may be a proof, have it evaluated by a recognized expert or submit it to PCGS or NGC with a request for proof evaluation. The potential value difference between a proof and business strike in this grade could be substantial.
2. Document everything. High-quality photographs, provenance records, and any prior certification information all support your coin’s story.
3. Be transparent about uncertainty. If you can’t definitively determine proof versus business strike status, say so. Honesty builds trust and often leads to better outcomes than guessing.

For All Collectors

1. Study known proof examples. The more proof 1870 Two Cent Pieces you examine, the better your eye will become at recognizing the characteristics described here.
2. Build a reference library. Key references for the Two Cent series include specialized catalogs, auction archives, and the PCGS and NGC population reports.
3. Join the community. Forums like the one where this coin was shared are invaluable for learning. The responses — “Gorgeous!” “Eye-popping!” “Has ‘the look’!” — reflect the collective expertise of passionate collectors always willing to share knowledge.

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of the 1870 Two Cent Piece

The 1870 Two Cent Piece occupies a special place in American numismatics. It represents a denomination born of Civil War-era necessity, one that flourished briefly as a popular circulating coin before fading into history as the Mint consolidated its cent production. The series is, as one forum commenter noted, “under appreciated” — and coins like this PCGS MS65+BN CAC Pop 2 are exactly why that underappreciation is beginning to change.

Whether this particular example is a proof or a business strike, it represents the absolute finest quality available for this date and denomination. The fact that only two examples have achieved this grade — and none have surpassed it — speaks to the extraordinary difficulty of finding high-grade 1870 Two Cent Pieces in any condition, let alone gem mint state.

For the collector who acquired this coin, the congratulations from the community were well-earned. As one commenter wisely noted: “Now find an 1871 and especially an 1872 Two Cent Piece which is equal to it. It’s very hard, especially as a Mint State piece.” That’s the beauty of this series — every acquisition is a genuine achievement, and every high-grade example is a treasure.

The proof versus business strike question adds another layer of intrigue to an already fascinating series. As grading experts, our job is to look beyond the surface beauty — as stunning as it is — and understand the story that every detail tells. The fields, the devices, the rims, the strike: each element is a chapter in the coin’s history, and together they create a narrative that spans more than 150 years.

If you’re building a complete MS CAC set of Two Cent Pieces, or simply seeking one exceptional example for your type collection, remember: the details matter. And sometimes, the most important detail is the one that’s hardest to see.

Related Resources

You might also find these related articles helpful:

• Mint Error or Damaged? Decoding the Surface of New Purchase 1870 2 Cent Piece PCGS MS65BN CAC Pop 2 0 Higher – Introduction: The Surface Tells the Story Is that a rare lamination flaw, or did someone take a screwdriver to it? Let&#…
• Spotting the Difference: Proof vs. Business Strike in Seated Liberty Dollars – Introduction: The Deceptive Mirror of Early Proof Coinage Sometimes early proof coins look like business strikes, and vi…
• Verdigris and PVC: Saving Your 1870 2 Cent Piece PCGS MS65+BN CAC Pop 2 0 Higher from Environmental Damage – Introduction: The Silent Threat to Your Numismatic Treasures Improper storage is the enemy of numismatics—and I’ve…